Eldoret: Students from various Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions in Uasin Gishu County have supported the implementation of the skills-based education curriculum popularly known as Competency Based Education and Training (CBET), noting it has reduced the overreliance on theoretical examinations and instead equips students with practical skills as well as developing talents and skills.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking in Eldoret, led by lecturer John Kimani, who is also a graduate of Nehema College of Science and Technology, the students said that many courses under the new CBE and CBET curriculum focus more on practical training through technical disciplines. They said the system has increased the efficiency of TVET students to continue their higher studies easily, due to the experience they gain early in the courses they are studying as well as developing their talents.
The students noted that the new curriculum emphasizes hands-on training, innovation, and entrepreneurship, enabling graduates to become self-reliant and competitive both locally and internationally. They said the approach bridges the gap between theory and practice, making learning more relevant to industry needs.
Kimani, a Lecturer and Banker, who started his academic journey from artisan level before excelling to become a lecturer and later being employed at the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), lauded the CBE and CBET curriculum noting it will equip youth with employability requisite skills to compete in the job market. He reflected on his own educational journey, highlighting the challenges faced with previous systems and the opportunities the current curriculum provides.
Sharon Koiser, a student undertaking an Education Course, expressed her appreciation for the curriculum’s focus on understanding learner abilities and cultural differences, something she felt was lacking in previous educational systems. Her experiences underline the curriculum’s emphasis on ethics and a deeper understanding of teaching.
Clementina Lakedo, pursuing a course in supply chain management at Nehema Institute of Science and Technology, shared how the curriculum helped her achieve her career aspirations despite initially aspiring to be a lawyer. She credits CBET for equipping her with the necessary skills to seek employment.
Eric Nyangile, an Information Communication Technology student, emphasized the role of an environmentally friendly institute in nurturing his talent and enabling him to create innovations beneficial to society. His focus on computing reflects the curriculum’s scope in diverse fields.
The students emphasized that their aim is not only seeking employment but also creating job opportunities from the skills they have acquired while at the same time creating a space to facilitate transfer of skills to next generations.
According to education stakeholders, the full implementation of the CBE curriculum is expected to transform the country’s education system by focusing more on skills, creativity, and the needs of the job market.
